Cape Santiago Lighthouse in Calatagan Batangas, "A Beacon of History with Over a Century Worth of Stories to Tell"

Another must-see attraction in Calatagan, Batangas is the century-old Cape Santiago Lighthouse. So after spending almost the whole day in Burot Beach, we drove southwards to where Cape Santiago Lighthouse is. Also known as Punta de Santiago or Faro de Punta Santiago or simply Calatagan Lighthouse, Cape Santiago is an imposing 51-foot tall white and red brick lighthouse that was built in the late 1800's to guide seafarers passing Verde Island passage, San Bernardino Strait and the Manila Bay.

Coming from Burot Beach or from the town proper of Calatagan, you can find the sign leading to the lighthouse on the right side of the hi-way. It is a narrow rough road towards the entrance of the lighthouse. We passed by a mini-forest surrounded by trees along a rugged terrain and winding road - just be careful as it could be muddy and slippery when it rains.

SEE ALSO: DIY Burot Beach Travel Guide (Calatagan, Batangas)

Upon arrival at the site, we looked for Kuya Junior, the caretaker of Cape Santiago Lighthouse. He already knew that we were arriving since we already contacted him before we went here. The lighthouse is inside a gated property, you won't be able to enter it if he's not there. It is important that you contact Kuya Junior before going to the lighthouse to be sure that he's there.

Admission is free, but it is encouraged to give a donation. I think we gave 100 pesos for the two of us.

From the gate, we entered the keeper's quarters and walked along its old and rustic hallways leading to the back side of the complex where an awesome view of the lighthouse can be seen.

It was built on December 15, 1890, led by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers, and was later completed by Guillermo Brockman. According to some sources from the web, it was named after Don Santiago Zobel who donated the one-hectare site where the lighthouse now stands. As one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines, Cape Santiago is really lovely.

I was very much delighted upon seeing this lighthouse. I was amazed by its grandeur and its "old world" charm. What makes Cape Santiago Lighthouse unique is its round shape tower coated with faded white paint that reveals a brick colored tower. A renovated keeper's quarters with old windows and wooden doors reminiscent of the Spanish-era are also sights to behold.

After taking some photos within the vicinity of the lighthouse, we were invited by Kuya Junior to climb the lighthouse. A spiral staircase made of cast iron with 65 steps leads to the top of the lighthouse.

The view from the top of the lighthouse is simply magnificent and breathtaking. I love how the cool winds blow hard on our faces and from here, you will be rewarded with a splendid view of the coastline of Calatagan, the South China Sea and the surrounding beaches.

As a functioning lighthouse, you could also take a closer look at the lights used to guide the ships passing by.

Kuya Junior has a lot of stories to tell. Joining us on top of the lighthouse, he told us that his grandfather used to be one the original caretakers of the lighthouse. Listening to his stories will give you more insights about the history of the lighthouse.

After about 30 minutes, we decided to go down and bid goodbye to Kuya Junior.

The lighthouse symbolizes the town of Calatagan. It has withstood the test of times - typhoons, earthquakes and even the Spanish, American and Japanese wars and still, it is standing mightily on the shores of Calatagan. Truly, Cape Santiago Lighthouse is a beacon of history with over a century worth of stories to tell.

CAPE SANTIAGO LIGHTHOUSE

Location: Brgy. Bagong Silang, Calatagan Batangas Philippines
Contact Person: Kuya Junior (Caretaker of Cape Santiago)
Contact Number: 0919-8416486

SUMMARY OF BASIC EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Manila-Calatagan)- PHP 180.00
Tricycle Rental (Calatagan to Cape Santiago) - PHP 150.00
Donation - PHP 100.00
Tricycle Rental (Cape Santiago to Calatagan) - PHP 150.00
Bus Fare (Calatagan-Manila) - PHP 180.00
TOTAL - PHP 760.00

ALSO READ: Best Beach Resorts in Calatagan, Hotels and Budget-friendly Resorts

HOW TO GET TO CALATAGAN'S CAPE SANTIAGO LIGHTHOUSE

Via Public Bus: Take Celyrosa Bus going to Calatagan along Pasay Rotonda EDSA near MRT Taft Station (at the back of McDonald's). First trip is at 5:00 AM, travel time is around 3 hours and fare is 180 pesos. Ask the bus attendant to drop you at Calatagan Public Market. From here, hire a tricycle for PHP 150.00 or PHP 60.00 per person going to Calatagan Lighthouse. Travel time is about 20-30 minutes.

Via Passenger Van: There's a van terminal near the Bus Station and MRT Taft Station in Pasay or at the basement of Metropoint Mall where vans bound for Calatagan can be found. Travel time is around 3 hours and fare is 180 pesos each. Upon arrival in Calatagan Public Market, hire a tricycle for PHP 150.00 or PHP 60.00 per person going to Calatagan Lighthouse. Travel time is about 20-30 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY? Click here to search for hotels in Batangas

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Since you're already in Batangas, why not go to Batangas Port and travel all the way to Romblon? How? Here's a detailed step by step travel guide on how to get to Romblon.

• TRAVEL GUIDE: How to Get to Romblon, Romblon (with RORO Schedules and Fares)